The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce was honored to host former Governor L. Douglas Wilder at our 2015 Annual Meeting. His words, insights, and life story of selfless leadership were inspirational to all in attendance. We were also delighted to be awarded at the meeting a Four Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an accomplishment only obtained by less than 3% of all chambers in the nation. We welcomed 620 members and guests to celebrate a successful 2015 and to set the stage for a stellar 2016.

On Tuesday, December 1, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce wrapped up the 2015 Chamber Leadership Series at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel with Dr. Jeff Tanner, Dean of Strome College of Business at Old Dominion University. Dean Tanner shared his ideas on “Big Data” and how companies can use big data principles to better market their business whether they have big data or not.

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce brought together 17 elected officials, October 22nd at its 12th Annual Legislative Reception. This annual event is aimed to provide members with one-on-one access to their legislators in an elegant, yet relaxed setting.
Photos courtesy of Alejandro J. Medina Studios

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce hosted their Fall Chamber Golf Outing on Thursday, October 15th at Cedar Point Country Club in Suffolk, Virginia. There were a total of 36 golfers that participated, all from various businesses and organizations. With beautiful blue skies, the weather allowed it to be a perfect day to hit the turf and have some fun.

More than 600 business men and women attended the Chamber’s Monster Mega Mixer & Business Showcase on October 13th at The Westin Hotel Town Center. The event showcased more than 100 exhibitor booths, filling the vicinity with excitement and opportunity. Members from every type of business were there to make connections and market their brand. In the spirit of Halloween, businesses got creative and decorated their booths, and some even dressed up in costume, grabbing the attention of all who attended.

Nearly 250 servicemen and women and business professionals from the community attended the Military Citizen of the Year Luncheon hosted by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce on October 9th at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.

Lead Hampton Roads, a program of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce hosted their 16th Annual State of the Region on October 6 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. Thank you to presenters Dr. James V. Koch, Dr. Vinod Agarwal, and Dr. Tim Komarek of Old Dominion University.

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce held a 7th District of Virginia debate with State Senator Frank Wagner and Challenger Gary McCollum about the issues that will affect everyone who lives in the Commonwealth. The 7th State District of Virginia includes portions of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Dr. Bob Holsworth of DecideSmart was the moderator. The 7th District Senate Race is considered one of the top races to watch this year.

The Chamber was proud to host another in the Professional Women’s Leadership Luncheon Series. With over a hundred business men and women in attendance, Roberta Oster Sachs gave an outstanding presentation on eliminating multitasking, prioritizing your assignments and developing mindfulness.

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce and Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a Forum on Trade and Infrastructure on September 29 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. The forum was presented by the Virginia Chamber Foundation Center for Trade Promotion.

On Tuesday, September 29, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum briefing Chamber members on the 2016 U.S. defense budget, a major driver of Hampton Roads economy. The event was hosted in partnership with the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities (HRMFA) and The Roosevelt Group, a bipartisan government relations consulting firm.

The Chamber's annual Beach Bash was held on Thursday, September 17 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at 31st Street's Neptune Park at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Chamber members and guests enjoyed strolling through exhibitor booths featuring products and services of more than 60 local businesses. Attendees sampled complimentary snacks and sandwiches from Arby's and HoneyBaked Ham, and adult beverages provided by Young Veterans Brewing Company. Energetic local band Pretty Ugly played a long lineup of current hits, and blue skies and a light breeze had everyone in good spirits.

166 hardworking, military personnel representing all branches of the military from local commands were honored for their outstanding service at a reception held by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce on August 14 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.

The Hampton Roads Sports Commission (HRSC), an affiliate of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, is host to the AAU Junior Olympic Games and put on a "Celebration of Athletes" event on August 3, the halfway point of the weeklong competition. This event served to welcome and recognize these talented children and young adults as well as their families and friends.

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce hosted Mingle on Main Street on June 24 at the Suffolk Visitor Center. With over $116 million in capital invested in 2014, Suffolk has established themselves as a key provider in the economic development of the region. Between the Economic Development Investment Program and the Facade Improvement Program, Suffolk has recognized areas of potential growth and are willing to reinvest in existing commerce as well as new business. The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce recognizes Suffolk as an important factor in the future of commerce in Hampton Roads which is why Mingle on Main Street was not only crucial to forging new relationships within the city but also to acknowledge growth it has produced in the region. Don’t miss your chance to network at the next event, Mingle at Towne Bank on September 10, 2015. Check out our event page for upcoming events.

Small businesses employ 50 percent of the U.S. workforce. The Chamber understands the importance of small business to our economy, and honors their efforts each year. The Hampton Roads Chamber, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads (SBDC), held its Small Business of the Year Awards luncheon on Friday, June 12 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. More than 250 people attended the event to show their support of the local small businesses.

More than 500 business and community leaders were in attendance to hear Suffolk Mayor Linda Johnson deliver her annual Suffolk State of the City address on May 14, 2015 at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront – Suffolk Conference Center.

The Chamber’s Wild Wing Fling event held on May 7 at Bayside Harley-Davidson was a blast! Business professionals took advantage of the networking opportunity, discovering new products and services while enjoying samplings of the best wings from area restaurants and the live band, Pretty Ugly!

More than 40 police officers, firefighters and first responders received awards from the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce as a part of the third annual Valor Awards at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel on Friday, April 24.

Nearly 60 business men and women came out to the Chamber's Education Series on "Sales and Marketing" at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center on April 22. John DeGruttola, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Optima Health, presented the tools and resources necessary to effectively utilize marketing and sales techinques. Participants learned how to maximize their sales, how to get the most out of their sales talent and how to use both traditional and digital advertising.

Nearly 150 business and community leaders were in attendance to hear Lieutenant Jason Redman address the business community at the Chamber’s Leadership Series at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel on April 21. Through an engaging dialogue driven by audience, Lieutenant Redman delivered an inspirational speech on how to overcome your own challenging obstacles and how he prevailed over his. He also shared his journey with the Navy SEALs, Wounded Warrior, and his notable company, Wounded Wear.

Nearly 700 business and community leaders were in attendance to hear Chesapeake Mayor Alan P. Krasnoff deliver his annual Chesapeake State of the City Address on April 15, 2015 at the Chesapeake Conference Center.

183 hardworking, military personnel representing all branches of the military from local commands were honored for their outstanding service at a reception held by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce on April 10 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.

Nearly 600 business professionals in Hampton Roads attended the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce’s second annual Spring Business to Business Expo on April 9, 2015 at the Chesapeake Marriott. This event showcased nearly 100 community businesses and allowed large-scale networking as well an opportunity for new products and services to be introduced in Hampton Roads.

More than 500 business and community leaders were in attendance to hear Portsmouth Mayor Kenneth Wright provide an update on the city’s key business development initiatives, municipal progress updates and opportunities on April 2, 2015.

More than 300 business and community leaders were in attendance to hear the 72nd Governor of Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, at the Chamber’s Leadership Series event on March 24th. McAuliffe discussed the impact the 2015 General Assembly had on Hampton Roads, as well as the Commonwealth. He also shared what he has accomplished since he assumed his gubernational duties in January 2014 as well as his outlook for the next two-and-a-half years.

More than 60 business men and women attended a 70s disco themed Mix & Mingle on March 19th at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel and Conference Center. Attendees enjoyed heavy hors d'oeuvres and beverages as they connected with one another.

Nearly 50 business men and women came out to the Chamber's Education Series on the "Art of Networking" at the Slover Library on March 19, 2015. Paul Ariola of Dale Carnegie Training Eastern Virginia led an engaging presentation on upgrading your networking techniques. Participants learned how to build networking skills to maximize networking events and connections. They also developed a memorable introduction and elevator speech as well as created a networking plan of action.

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce's annual State of the City series kicked off with the Norfolk address on February 20th. A sold out crowd was a record breaker, with more than 1,200 business and community leaders in attendance to hear Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim provide an update on the city’s key business development initiatives, municipal progress updates and opportunities.

Nationally recognized thought leader, Courtney Lynch, discussed the often counterintuitive factors that lead to success at the Professional Women's Leadership Luncheon on February 5. Through an engaging dialogue driven by the audience, Courtney shared leadership best practices that allow each of us to be successful in ways that are meaningful to us. She also spoke candidly about the challenges she’s encountered in living a life that matters, raising her three children, and starting and leading a multi-million dollar consulting firm.

More than 50 people braved the blizzard and came out to The Kroc Center for Coffee & Connections on January 27. Business professionals enjoyed chicken and waffles and other yummy treats as they connected with one another. The Kroc Center also gave away two month memberships and a complimentary Group Breakfast for up to 15-20 people! A great time was had by all. The Chamber looks forward to seeing everyone at the next Coffee & Connections on February 24 at the Holiday Inn Virginia Beach-Norfolk Hotel & Conference Center!